In a move to strengthen identity verification and prevent illegal foreigners from obtaining Aadhaar cards, Manipur has implemented what the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) terms as the “most stringent” Aadhaar issuance process in the country. This statement came during a meeting between UIDAI officials and Manipur Governor AK Bhalla in Imphal on Tuesday, underlining the state’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its identification systems amid ongoing concerns over illegal immigration.
The Manipur government explained that each adult Aadhaar application in the state undergoes mandatory scrutiny and approval at the state headquarters level under the Special Secretary of Home, ensuring a thorough vetting process before issuance. The guidelines followed are based on directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and UIDAI, requiring detailed verification before approval.
Rigorous Aadhaar Process for Adults and Minors
For minors, Manipur mandates updates to Aadhaar details, free of cost, at two critical stages: between the ages of 5 to 7 years, and again after the age of 15. This procedure ensures that the biometric and demographic details remain accurate and current, reducing the chances of identity misuse. According to the government’s statement, the rigorous system ensures that the Aadhaar issuance in Manipur is handled with the highest level of scrutiny in India.
The focus on strict Aadhaar checks in Manipur comes at a time when the state is dealing with concerns of illegal immigration, particularly from neighbouring Myanmar, with which it shares a 400-km porous border. This border is gradually being fenced to curb illegal crossings, but challenges remain due to the terrain and the length of the border.
Rising Concerns Over Illegal Immigration
Recently, incidents have surfaced where illegal immigrants were found possessing Aadhaar cards issued in Manipur. For example, in June 2024, authorities uncovered a racket involving the issuance of fake Aadhaar and voter ID cards to illegal immigrants, including two Myanmar nationals living within local communities in Manipur. In another instance, a Myanmar national arrested for drug trafficking in Mizoram was found carrying an Aadhaar card issued in Manipur, intensifying the scrutiny of Aadhaar issuance procedures in the state.
The emphasis on a strict Aadhaar issuance framework also aligns with recent discussions in neighbouring Assam, where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma suggested empowering only district commissioners to issue Aadhaar to adults, aiming to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining the unique identification number.
Additionally, three top civil society organisations from Manipur recently met with MHA officials in Delhi, requesting the initiation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) or a similar mechanism to address illegal immigration in the state.
Senior officials from the UIDAI, social welfare, home, and education departments attended the meeting at Raj Bhawan in Imphal, reiterating their commitment to maintaining a high-standard verification system. The UIDAI’s endorsement of Manipur’s Aadhaar process highlights the state’s proactive stance in protecting its identity systems while addressing the security and demographic challenges posed by illegal immigration in the region.
